A statement on Schumacher's website said: "Following Michael's skiing accident, we would like to thank the people from all around the world who have expressed their sympathy and sent their best wishes for his recovery. They are giving us great support.

"We all know he is a fighter and will not give up. Thank You."

Image: Indian sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik works on a sand sculpture of Michael Schumacher to wish him a speedy recovery at PuriPhotographs: Stringer/Reuters

Michael Schumacher won't give up, says family

The 44-year-old German is battling for his life after slamming his head against a rock while skiing off-piste in the French resort of Meribel on Sunday, an accident which triggered an outpouring of concern among fans around the world.

Doctors treating him at a hospital in the eastern city of Grenoble said his condition had stabilised enough by late Monday to carry out a new operation to treat the effects of internal bleeding within Schumacher's skull.

Image: Ralf Schumacher (right), the brother, and Rolf Schumacher, the father of Michael Schumacher, leave the CHU hospital emergency unit in Grenoble, French Alps, where Michael is hospitalizedPhotographs: Charles Platiau/Reuters